Lesson 2: Lesson 2: Tools of the Trade
If you find yourself inside a scrapbook supply store, a crop, or otherwise in the company of people who scrapbook, there are inevitably terms you will hear again and again. When you’re new to a hobby, you may feel embarrassed to continue asking what words mean. This lesson is developed to help acclimate to some of the common terms used in scrapbooking.
Section 1: Common industry terms relating to Photographs
Before you begin scrapbooking, you will want to be familiar with some common terms. Acid-free is the single term you will hear most frequently. What does that mean? Yes, you say, I can figure out it means without acid, but so what? Good question. What is acid and why do we care if our products are acid-free?
Acid-free: Acid is found in cellulose in paper, board, and cloth, and causes discoloration and embrittlement over time. Acid can also migrate into products from the environment. For example, you put acid on photographs from your fingertips as you handle them. Acid is measured in terms of pH. The scale runs from 0 to 14.0 with 7.0 representing neutral. For a product to be considered photo-safe and acid-free, its pH level must fall between 7.0 and 9.0. When considering paper, stickers, and other tools for scrapbooking, you want to be sure the product is labeled acid-free.
Archival quality: a non-technical term, which implies the product is safe for long term use. However, trust products that state they are acid-free and lignin-free instead. Most scrappers use the term archival quality interchangeably with acid-free/lignin-free. Lignin-free: Lignin is the substance found in plants responsible for turning them brown. In scrapbooking, this is a relatively new concern. Some paper will state that it is lignin-free and some will not.
Deacidifcation: a term used to describe the process of neutralizing acid. Scrapbookers can use a product called “archival mist” to lessen the damage of acid.
Buffered: Also a new concern in scrapbooking. There is some controversy regarded whether paper should be buffered. Buffered paper has been treated to be more alkaline.
Permanent: a term used to imply a product will resist deterioration.
Photo-safe: an ambiguous term used to market products for use with pictures.
PVC-free: PVC is a common plastic, and over time can release hydrochloric acid. This acid causes discolorations and fading in photographs .
